GCF condemns Dowridge’s “conduct” over unauthorised letter on 3-stage race routes

By Michelangelo Jacobus

The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has condemned the actions of former President Linden Dowridge after he reportedly wrote to Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle under an alias, objecting to changes in the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) Independence Three-Stage Cycling Race routes.
In an official letter dated April 20, 2026, the Federation apologised to Ninvalle and made it clear that Dowridge was not authorised to act on its behalf. The GCF said Dowridge had “repeatedly sought to present himself as the sole representative of the Federation” despite knowing that all official communication must go through the governing body. The Federation added that his actions went against its rules and stressed that it remains the recognised authority for all cycling matters.
The issue arose after a letter was sent to Ninvalle under the name “John Henry”, objecting to the new race routes. The letter noted that changing the traditional format would reduce the value of the event and called for it to remain unchanged.
Dowridge, who was not re-elected as GCF President at the last election, has been strongly against the new format. Traditionally, the race saw cyclists pedalling from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, Berbice Bridge to Georgetown using the coastal roads, and Linden to Georgetown. This year, the race will take a different approach. It will start with a 75-mile Linden out-and-back stage, followed by a 55-mile coastal race, and end with a 41.6-mile circuit event.

While a small section of the cycling fraternity is in support of keeping the old routes, GCF General Secretary Lt Colonel Mark St Clair said the changes are important for development. He explained that the traditional routes are mostly flat, which does not help local cyclists prepare for tougher races overseas.
The Federation also made it clear that it will deal with the matter internally and ensure that all cycling business is handled properly going forward.
Further, another member of the GCF executive who spoke to Guyana Times Sport under cover of anonymity revealed that since Nigel London has assumed the presidency of the body, “things have been moving along nicely, the Dowridge situation aside”.
This year’s event is set for May 23-24. Mateo Garcia Castaneda, a Colombian cyclist who rides for Trinidad and Tobago’s Raiders Cycling Club, dominated the 2025 edition with a clean sweep of all three stages and is likely to return for this year’s competition.